The telecast took a 13.5 rating in metered market households per Nielsen, its biggest overnight since 2002 (15.0 rating). The show was up 11 percent from last year -- which also set a high at the time.

The parade improved in the younger demo as well. The 25 markets with Local People Meters give the parade a 7.3 rating with adults 18-49 -- up 9 percent from last year for a 10-year high.

As many viewers flipped the dial to Fox's NFL coverage, NBC still saw some boosts for the National Dog Show Presented by Purina. It was up 13 percent from last year, pulling a 6.0 households rating.